Networking / Beginners

Link-State Versus Distance Vector Routing Protocols

This section describes the two most common and relevant routing protocols that TCP/IP has available for use, namely RIP and OSPF. Controversy surrounds the debate over link-state versus distance vector routing algorithms regarding which is better.

NOTE Link-State and distance vector routing protocols are also known as interior gateway protocols (IGPs); this concept is discussed later in the discussion of OSPF and border gateway protocol (BGP) interoperability.
An IGP is a classification that describes the use of a dynamic routing protocol to exchange routing information within an autonomous system (AS). Examples of common IGPs include IGRP, OSPF, Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), and RIP. You can contrast an IGP with an exterior gateway protocol (EGP) such as BGP.

[Previous] [Contents] [Next]

In this tutorial:

  1. OSPF Basics
  2. What Is a Routing Protocol?
  3. Basic Routing Protocol Operation
  4. Link-State Versus Distance Vector Routing Protocols
  5. Link-State Routing Protocols
  6. OSPF Characteristics
  7. Integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System
  8. Distance Vector Routing Protocols
  9. Selecting a Routing Protocol
  10. Operational Considerations
  11. Protocols Supported
  12. Routing Hierarchies
  13. IP Address Management
  14. IP Encapsulation Support
  15. Technical Considerations
  16. Routing Updates
  17. Scalability
  18. Business Considerations
  19. SPF Overview
  20. OSPF Routing Hierarchy
  21. Hierarchical Network Design Techniques
  22. Routing Types Within an OSPF Network
  23. External Routes
  24. OSPF Areas
  25. Characteristics of a Standard OSPF Area
  26. Stub Areas
  27. Not-So-Stubby Areas
  28. OSPF Operational Environment
  29. Types of OSPF Routers
  30. OSPF Network Types
  31. Router Identification
  32. Neighbors
  33. Adjacencies